Saffron Walden

One of the most delightful towns in Essex, named
after the fields of saffron crocuses (C. sativus) that
once covered this area in medieval times. The stamen
of these delicate flowers produces a precious yellow
spice that was then used for dying cloth. Widespread
farming of this lucrative crop brought immense prosperity
to the area during the Middle Ages. Once prized more
than gold, it is still in use today as a flavouring
and colourant for rice dishes and cakes.
It
still grows in the Walden area today, but is no
longer farmed commercially.

This region has been occupied since prehistoric
times, evidenced by several Iron Age earthworks near
the town. The Ancient Britons called this area 'Waledana',
which eventually became shortened to 'Walden'. Evidence
of early Roman occupation can also be found nearby,
and an extensive Saxon burial ground has also been
discovered here.

Saffron Walden is a lovely unspoilt medieval market
town, steeped in ancient history. Many of its attractive
14th to 16th century timber-framed houses are faced
with Essex pargetting (an elaborate plasterwork decoration).
The former Sun Inn (on Market Row) displays
some of the best examples of this type of plasterwork.
The inn is 14th-c timber-framed dwelling that was once
used as Cromwell's HQ during the English Civil War.

The town has a wealth of buildings of architectural
and historic interest, particularly in the streets
around the Market Square, which still follow
the original medieval pattern. One of the best-preserved
buildings from this period is a 15th-c timber framed Tudor dwelling
on the corner of Myddleton Place.

The High Street contains
many fine late-Georgian properties. The ornate, porticoed
Victorian Corn Exchange, overlooking the square, is
now a library and Arts Centre. The town's old Grammar
School was the headquarters in of the 65th Fighter
Wing of the USA air force during the war.

Geoffrey
de Mandeville established a market below his castle
walls here in 1141. The remains of Mandeville's castle
rest on a low mound at the highest point of the town.
Much of the stone was robbed-out as building materials
and now only the ruined keep remains. The town museum
is situated near the castle, with displays of local
history, archaeology, geology, wildlife, costume and
toys.

The Mandevilles also founded a priory at Audley
End to the south. This was dissolved by Henry VIII
in 1538, and was eventually purchased by Earl of Suffolk,
who started building the current mansion on the site
in 1603.

Near to the castle, at the eastern end of the Common,
is a series of preserved circular excavations, believed
to be the largest mediaeval maze in England. It comprises
a path that twists and turns for over 1 mile (1.6
km).

The parish church of St Mary, one of largest in
the county, has a 200ft spire visible from anywhere
in the town. The main building was reconstructed in
the 15th-c and the spire added in 1832. The nave
is nearly 200 ft long. One of the finest examples
in southern england, its grandeur reflects the
town's prosperity at that time.

Located just behind St Mary's church can be found
the delightful Bridge End Gardens. Laid out by the
Gibson family during the 19th-c. The plot is designed
as a series of smaller gardens, each with its own style
and atmosphere. The Dutch Garden is particularly fine,
with clipped yews and a fountain. There is also a restored
traditional Victorian maze.

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